How Do I Manage Conflict?
As an executive you likely have a lot on your plate. From managing projects and budgets to overseeing teams and dealing with stakeholders, there's no shortage of challenges to navigate. I like to use the tools outlined in nonviolent communication (NVC) to help navigate these challenges more effectively, by providing a framework for communicating with empathy, understanding, and respect. I like to work with clients to get clear on each of these steps before meeting with a co-worker. Deciding in advance what you need and request can help to solidify a positive future direction and avoid a negative confrontation.
Here are the steps for using NVC to address and resolve a conflict you have with anyone in your organization.
Observe the situation objectively. It's important to focus on the facts of the situation, rather than getting caught up in judgments or interpretations. For example, rather than saying "You're always messing up the schedule," try saying "I noticed that the schedule has been running behind several times this month."
Express your feelings. NVC is all about connecting with others through your emotions. So, it's important to take the time to identify and express your own feelings in a clear and nonjudgmental way. For example, you might say "I feel frustrated when the schedule falls behind because it puts pressure on the team and can lead to delays."
Identify your needs. Our feelings often arise in response to unmet needs. So, it's important to identify what needs are not being met in the situation. For example, you might say "I need the schedule to be reliable so that we can stay on track and meet our deadlines."
Make a request. Once you've identified your needs, you can make a request for how those needs can be met. For example, you might say "Could we take some time to review the schedule and identify any areas where we can be more efficient?"
Offer a concrete action. In NVC, it's important to be specific about what you're asking for. Rather than just making a vague request, try to offer a concrete action that can help to meet the need. For example, you might say "Could we set aside an hour each week to review the schedule and identify any bottlenecks or inefficiencies?"
By following these steps, you can use NVC to communicate more effectively with your team, stakeholders, and other colleagues in the construction industry. You'll be able to express your needs and feelings in a clear and respectful way, and you'll be more likely to find solutions that work for everyone. Plus, by practicing NVC, you'll be helping to create a more positive and harmonious work environment, which can lead to increased productivity and success.